Two problems related to transmission solenoid have been reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala based on all problems reported for the 2005 Impala.
First. . . My car all of the sudden started leaking like an oil tanker last January 2012, and the abs/traction control lights came on. Took the car to the chevy dealership, and had major repair work done on transmission, and engine for leaks. Spent $2100 and was quote $2600 to replace the abs/traction control modulator for my abs/traction control to work again. The code they pulled was c1218. Needless to say it has not been repaired yet. A month after spending this money, I had to replace the water pump, and almost a year later I had to replace a plastic elbow from the water pump to my radiator which was another $300. Then this past December 2012, my transmission all of the sudden jerked hard from 1st to 2nd and so on during local driving. Max speed limit is 40mph locally. Took it to chevy and was told I need a new transmission, so I took it for a second opinion and was told code p1811 was coded for a long shift, but that my transmission was a 1/2 quart low so they filled it with trans additive. They suggested I try a "transmission shop" for them to check because maybe my trans solenoid was bad, which would still cost quite a bit for repair, but not nearly as much as a new transmission. My car has 122,000 long highway miles, not local; stop & go. I do not feel my abs/traction control, nor my trans should be bad. I maintain my car, and based on my internet searches many people have had the exact same problems with these cars. I emailed chevy and was basically told this is my problem and no concession was offered on their part to assist me with these repairs. I have been laid off from my job, and returned to school so needless to say cannot afford a new car, but this car is costing more than it is worth. Chevy needs to quit ignoring these problems, and take care of loyal customers before they lose them.
The transmission hesitates at stop and go traffic, tranny shop says it is a switch solenoid that is defective in the transmission itself. It is commonly reported by many consumers of this make, model and year. Seems to shift fine when driving on longer drives ie. Interstate driving. Could cause potential safety hazard when trying to pull out into traffic from stopped position.